Lions star Kearney profits from business masters

Ireland and Lions star Rob Kearney is putting his masters in business to good use.

According to accounts filed by the Leinster full- back’s Willville Promotions, accumulated profits at the firm jumped by 54% from €123,247 to €190,874 in the 12 months to the end of December. Cash during the period rose from €128,445 to €190,081.

The boost in fortunes coincided with Kearney cementing his reputation as one of the best full-backs in the world with Leinster winning a third Heineken cup last year.

The Co Louth man has played 47 times for Ireland and represented the Lions in the 2009 series against South Africa and again this year in the series against Australia.

The jump in accumulated profits at the firm last year followed profits sharply increasing in 2011, from €57,675 to €123,247.

During a previous lay-off through injury, the former UCD student completed a master’s degree in business.

Kearney’s personal coffers were further filled by being one of the Lions players to share in an estimated £2.3m (€2.67m) from the Test series win over Australia.

Indicating the improved performance of the Kearney firm last year, the firm’s corporation tax bill of €36,016 compared to €6,717 in 2011.

Kearney is among a host of Irish internationals, including Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip, Cian Healy, and Paul O’Connell, who have established promotional firms to take advantage of their marketing potential.